Friday

The count down in ON!

Hello all and happiest of Fridays to you! What have you been up to creatively this week? Have you been seeing signs of spring in your neck of the woods yet? If not, listen up! We have some fun to share that could put a little spring in your step and a little creative spark in your heart!

First up, I HAVE to tell you what's coming up in just a matter of DAYS! Not only will the Instant Gardeners be here on the 15th of this month to share a larger than life --brand spankin' new -- Power Poppy digital stamp to add to your collection, but the very next day, February 16th, the Bloom Brigade kicks off one heck of a week of clear stamp sneaks -- just for you!

Marcella spent much of January and February armed with her pencil, micron pen and sketchbook, drawing up new delights for you to use to stamp with recklesss abandon! And, look at what she had to put up with just to get them ready???


It never fails, when sketch mode comes into play, her fluffy tortie cat named Crema finds a comfy spot centerstage. She's even snuggled up on Marcella's arm as if to say, "no drawing for you!" The good news is, Marcy did finish up FIVE sets and the sneaks start next Tuesday, right after our digital stamp release on the 15th. What fun!

In the meantime, we have this going on still....


If you have't heard, last week we unveiled a brand new Power & Spark Challenge and this one encourages you to Switch it Up in the color department. Are your watercolors feeling a little neglected? What about those Distress Markers or colored pencils? This challenge is all about switching it up and reaching for a medium that you haven't used in a while! You can read up on all the official details HERE.   That's also where you'll want to link up your creation as well!

The entries are already starting to be linked up! Being that it's Friday, you know I love to share some of our Power Poppy Peep's creations! The one I am going to share today is striking to say the least in shades of vivid red with pops of white...


I had to read Melanie MacKenzie's  description of this card THREE times and I am still not completely sure how she created this! She said she embossed  her stamped image with white, covered the entire image with red ink and then used water to pull color from the flowers, coming back around to paint the leaves with a shade of green. The ink looks so even, it's hard to believe that the main panel started out white and that ink was sponged on! I might need to give this a try! Psst! By the way, Melanie used Power Poppy's Potted Primroses stamp set for this one!

Now it's time to turn things over to our creative team --- the Bloomies! A few of them took time this week to let those creative juices flow and I know they would love it if you hopped on over to their place to see what they put together!



Thanks for stopping by! We'll see you back here Monday for our new digital stamp set release with the Instant Gardeners and then.... Tuesday for day 1 of the Power Poppy Sneaky Peeks for our February Release! Woo Hoo! I can hardly wait!

Have a fabulous weekend!
~Julie


6 comments:

Davi said...

Excited to see the new releases! The red card is beautiful!

CherylQuilts said...

Beautiful cards today by the Bloomies, and congratulations to Melanie for her card. Yes, it's an amazing technique. So looking forward to next week's next clear releases! One a day, eh? Hugs!

Berina RGA said...

Can't wait to see the new releases!! So excited!! Melanie's card is so beautiful!! Congratulations on being featured!!
-Berina
Moxie Craftie

Barb said...

Looks like Crema has the best seat in the house! I'm looking forward to seeing the new releases. And as usual, the Bloom Brigade did an outstanding job with their card shares for the Power and Spark Challenge. And Melanie, that's one beautiful card you've created! So bright and cheerful!

Lorna said...

I know exactly how Melanie created her red background. You apply Distress ink with a blender applicator. Keep applying until you cannot add any more color. When it is dry, stamp and emboss image in white and then with a water brush (or regular brush and water) start adding water to areas you want to remove the color from and blot with a paper towel. When you have removed as much color as you can, you can go in with your brush and ink and color in the image. I just did this with a pansy stamp and Wilted Violet. It really turned out beautiful.

Maria Rodriguez said...

Oh my gosh Marcella, your little furry helper is just not budging!! he is way to comfortable and warm in your lap, surrounded by your arms to move!!! I can almost hear him purring, cats are like that, they truly are not interested in the fact you are working, they want what they want and they want it NOW!! Such a sweet picture of you and Crema, very sweet indeed.
The new releases are awesome and romantic, specially the "Blooming Wonderful" stamp set, I've been after this gorgeous bouquet since the first time I saw it as a digi.
Thank you for the JOY you give us with your wonderful and gorgeous images.
Big Hugs for you and Crema.
Maria Rodriguez.